Chinese President Xi Jinping's two-day state visit to Vietnam marks a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between the two nations. This visit reciprocates the historic trip made by Vietnam's General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to China last year, symbolizing Hanoi's special relationship with Beijing.
China and Vietnam share a relationship that spans over a millennium, characterized by peaceful coexistence and robust diplomatic ties established formally in 1950. Despite a brief interruption, the two countries renewed their strong partnership in 1991, which has flourished ever since.
Vietnam's adoption of the \"Three Nos\" defense policy in 1998—no military alliances, no siding with one country against another, and no foreign military bases on its soil—has been pivotal in maintaining peace and stability along the Chinese-Vietnamese border. This policy, along with several cooperation agreements, has transformed the border into a zone of tranquility and development.
In 2008, China and Vietnam officially entered a comprehensive cooperative strategic partnership. This relationship was further solidified in 1999 when leaders from both nations agreed to be \"good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners.\" Xi's visit follows a series of high-level engagements that underscore the importance of this partnership in Southeast Asia's foreign policy landscape.
During his visit, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized enhancing strategic connectivity through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Vietnam has welcomed the BRI for its potential to complement the country's \"Two Corridors, One Belt\" framework, aiming to deliver substantial public goods and infrastructure improvements.
Trade between China and Vietnam continues to soar, with bilateral trade expected to surpass $175 billion in 2023, up from $175 billion in 2022. Chinese investments, preferential loans, and non-refundable aid totaling an estimated $26 billion are playing a crucial role in Vietnam's socio-economic development. These investments are instrumental in building infrastructure, reducing poverty, generating jobs, and boosting the overall economy.
The strengthening of China-Vietnam ties during Xi Jinping's visit is poised to bring sustained economic progress and regional stability, reinforcing the strategic partnership that both nations have diligently cultivated over the years.
Reference(s):
Xi's Vietnam trip to chart a new course of growth and stability
cgtn.com
